Third of Brits now regularly fondling their slabs, say beancounters

A third of Brits now uses a tablet computer at least once a month, thanks to cheapo kit running the ever-popular Android OS, while iPad growth slows dramatically according to a new study.

The numbers refer to usage, rather than purchases, and come from beancounters eMarketer. The growth in tablet use will slow over the next few years, as the market hits its saturation point, though the relentless upgrade cycle should keep sales healthy for the foreseeable future.

Apple's iPad still makes up more than half (59 per cent) of tablets used in the UK, but Android is gaining fast on the fruity firm as children and the elderly begin to get their own fondleslabs rather than having to cadge a hit of tablet goodness from tech-savvy 25-34 year olds, who make up the largest group of tablet users.

With usable Android tablets coming in for under a ton (such as Tesco's Hudl) eMarketer reckons iPad usage growth will drop into the single figures by 2017, leaving the field wide open for Android to increase its market share.

eMarketer reckons young 'uns and oldsters will drive the bulk of growth over the next few years, and that by 2017 more than half the UK will be using one regularly – even if it's not their own. ®